Pena homers, drives in 3 to lead Astros over Rays 3-1

Royals beat slumping Astros 6-5

By BEN DuBOSE

HOUSTON (AP) — Jeremy Pena hit an early two-run homer and drove in an insurance run late, lifting the Houston Astros to a 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

One pitch after Jose Altuve’s leadoff bunt single, Pena belted a cutter by Rays starter Corey Kluber (10-10) over the right-field fence and into the home bullpen.

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That put the Astros ahead early, and Houston maintained that lead with strong pitching and key defensive plays, including Pena’s diving stop and throw to deny Ji-Man Choi in the fourth inning. After homering only once in August, Houston’s rookie shortstop has five homers since September and is up to 21 for the season.